Office of Polar Programs National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Office of Polar Programs invites proposals for their Antarctic Artists and Writers (AAW) Program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
The program provides opportunities for artists and writers, from promising early career practitioners to longstanding professionals, to make observations at U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) research stations, field camps, and/or aboard research vessels.
Through the Antarctic AAW Program, NSF encourages the production of professional-quality literature and art that complements USAP science, engineering, and education programs to increase public understanding of the Antarctic continent, the surrounding oceans, human endeavors on the continent, and the region's unique geopolitical position.
The AAW Program gives priority to projects that focus on interpreting and representing the scientific activities being conducted in the unique Antarctic region. Artists and Writers Program field teams should consist of no more than one or two people. Larger projects, such as television or documentary film crews, should contact the cognizant AAW Program Officer.
Successful projects will be provided with USAP logistical support needed to implement the proposed activity. USAP infrastructure available to support projects undertaken by artists and writers consists of three year-round stations, numerous austral summer research camps in Antarctica, two research vessels, and surface and air transportation.
Due to the unique nature of this program, proposers are strongly encouraged to carefully follow the guidelines described in this solicitation and to contact the cognizant Artists and Writers Program Officer prior to submitting a proposal to discuss the unique requirements and restrictions of the Antarctic Artists and Writers Program and Antarctic logistics in general.